The Saints gave Richard Markham his first win in his AU head coaching debut at RMU's Redmond Athletic Complex. Despite playing in a torrential downpour for most of the first half and adapting to the artificial turf surface, Markham said his team handled the adjustments well on the run.
"I thought we created some very good opportunities in the second half," Markham said. "We didn't falter, even though the first-game jitters might have gotten to us early. We know what things we need to address at practice before Coe (College) on Tuesday."
A desperation shot that would have tied the game at two from RMU junior midfielder Arso Mitreski clanged off the crossbar late in the second half.
Kalhor tied former Mount St. Clare sweeper Seyi Famodu (14 goals in 1996, 18 in 1997) as the school's all-time leading goal scorer with his 32nd career goal. He was coming off a two-goal outing in AU's exhibition win against Carl Sandburg College and was aiming to recapture the form in 2006 that made him the MCC Newcomer of the Year.
Kalhor beat RMU goalkeeper Zach Szymel one-on-one from a goalie kick to boot a 40-yarder through the net.
The Eagles' Eric Herrera scored his third goal in two games during the 77th minute to put RMU on the board.
"It's really just a detail thing, but as a team we're aiming for the MCC banner to hang in our gym (Kehl Arena)," Kalhor said. "I have the whole season in front of me and hopefully there will be more people to come after me that will write in the record books. I'm pretty happy about it tonight."
AU newcomers Vedran Ilic and Geraldo Garza, who both missed the Saints' exhibition game, were in the starting lineup as midfielders.
"All day the defense did well and they didn't give up any scary opportunities," Markham added. "Their only goal was just a well-struck ball that (AU goalkeeper) Nick (Roman) couldn't get to. We're glad to get that first win under our belt."
The Saints open September by traveling to Coe College next Tuesday for a 3 p.m. non-conference showdown against the Kohawks in Cedar Rapids.
